Prevalence of depression, anxiety and the coping strategies of patients recovered from COVID-19 infection in a Malaysian tertiary hospital

Objectives: This study evaluates the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients who recovered from COVID-19 infection, with a focus on the significance of coping strategies, particularly in the culturally diverse country like Malaysia. Understanding these mechanisms is vital for addressing mental health challenges post-pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients treated for COVID-19 in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Brief-COPE were used to measure mental health and coping strategies. Cultural influences, such as the role of religion and community, were considered alongside coping mechanisms. Non-probability sampling was employed, limiting generalizability. Multivariate logistic regression controlled for confounding variables such as age, gender, and comorbidities. Results: The prevalence of depression and anxiety among participants was 27.9 % and 43.6 %, respectively. Hospitalized respondents showed higher level of anxiety with OR = 5.03 (CI: 1.09–23.23). Avoidant coping increased the odds of depression and anxiety, while approach coping decreased these odds. Although religion is an important cultural factor in Malaysia, it did not emerge as a statistically significant coping mechanism in this study, highlighting the complexity of cultural influences on mental health. Conclusion: Depression and anxiety remain prevalent among COVID-19 survivors, especially among those hospitalized. Targeted mental health interventions that promote approach coping strategies and address cultural influences are essential. Policymakers should focus on providing long-term mental health support, particularly for vulnerable groups, and consider the potential of AI tools to enhance post-pandemic care.